Lisbon/Alfama

Alfama is a district in Lisbon, Portugal.

Get in

The most popular and most fun way to travel into and through Alfama is on the  12E  and  28E  trams.

See
  • 🌍 Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Largo Portas do Sol (Miradouro de Santa Luzia  12E  28E ). Good viewpoint in Alfama uphill from the cathedral along tram route. Lovely view over rooftops and river. Free. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 🌍 Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle), Rua de Santa Cruz (737), ☏ +351 21 880 0620, . Mar–Oct: daily 10:00–21:00, Nov–Feb daily 09:00–18:00. Humans settled on this hill as early as the 8th century BCE, and the first fortifications date from the 1st century BCE. Before the Portuguese conquest in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, the site was successively occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Sights within the castle include the permanent exhibition of archaeological artefacts with an emphasis on the 11th- and 12th-century Moors, ruins of the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a garden with native forest species, and a camera obscura showing the city's sights. The castle offers great view over the city and the river. If you have the energy, get there by walking from downtown, going through the fantastic old neighbourhood of Alfama. €15, ages 13–25 €7.5, disabled or seniors 65+ €7.50, children under 12 free; guided tour €5. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Igreja e Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls). Started in 1582, this Mannerist monastery wasn't completed until 1629, following the reconstruction of a 1147 church under royal decree. The church houses the Pantheon of the House of Braganza, where many monarchs, consorts, and their offspring are entombed. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 🌍 Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa, Igreja de Santa Maria Maior), Largo da Sé 1, ☏ +351 218 866 752, . M–Sa 10:00–18:30. Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived various earthquakes and has undergone restoration, renovation, and modification over the years. Its elements include Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It has been a national monument since 1910. €5, children 7–12 €2.50, children 6 & under free. (updated Feb 2024)
  • 🌍 Museu da Água (Water Museum), Rua do Alviela 12, ☏ +351 218 100 215, . M–F 10:00–12:30 & 13:30–17:30. Free. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 🌍 Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum), Rua da Madre de Deus 4 (718, 742, 794, 759), ☏ +351 21 810 0340, . Tu–Su 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–18:00, closed M. One of the most important national museums, dedicated to Portuguese azulejo tiles since the late 1400s. It's in the former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor. €5, seniors 65+/students/youth card €2.50, disabled & children 12 and under free. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 🌍 Museu Militar de Lisboa (Lisbon Military Museum), Largo do Museu da Artilharia, ☏ +351 21 884 2453, . Housed in a 16th-century foundry, this museum holds its testaments to Portuguese military history, and contains many artifacts, including a sword used by Vasco da Gama. 
  • 🌍 Museu de Sociedade de Geografia (Museu Etnográfico da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa), Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 100, ☏ +351 21 342 5401, . M–F 10:00–12:45 & 14:00–16:45, closed Sa Su. Exhibits of ethnography from Portugal's former colonies. €5, seniors 65+ €2, students & youths €2.50, families of 4 or more €4 each, disabled & children 12 and under free. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 🌍 Museu do Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre Museum), Rua de São Mamede, nº 3 A, ☏ +351 218 172 450. Along the way from downtown to Saint George's Castle. 
  • 🌍 Panteão Nacional (Igreja do Santa Engrácia), Campo de Santa Clara (Metro station Santa Apolónia  Azul  or tram stop Voz do Operário  28E ), ☏ +351 21 885 4820. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, platform 10:00-18:00 (closed Mondays, shorter hours in winter). This is one of the most striking buildings in Lisbon. Its tall dome and white facade makes it a real landmark in Alfama/Eastern Lisbon. Excellent views from the rooftop terrace. Construction began in 1681, then halted until the dome was added in 1966 and then converted to the National Pantheon. Amália Rodrigues, queen of fado, is buried here, and fresh roses can be seen on the tomb. The church also has wide viewing platform on the rooftop all around its dome. Excellent panorama of the river and surroundings. No elevator. €4. (updated Dec 2018)

Do

Buy
  • 🌍 Feira da Ladra, Campo de Santa Clara ( 28E ), ☏ +351 21 798 8000, . Tu Sa 06:00–17:00. A lively outdoor market offering new and used products. Markets of this type have pleased bargain hunters since the 12th century in Lisbon and the Feira da Ladra name has been around since the 17th century. 

Eat

Budget

All these are around the Castelo de S. Jorge:

  • 🌍 Restaurante Santa Rita, Rua de São Mamede 24c, ☏ +351 21 808 4412, . Authentic, cheap Portuguese dishes in a very busy, shared-table restaurant. Mains €5-9 (May 2017). (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Velha Gaiteira, R. Pedras Negras 17. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 O Trigueirinho, Largo dos Trigueiros 17. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Café Parreirinha, R. da Guia 4B. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 As Bifanas do Afonso, Portugal, R. da Madalena 146. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Taste of Pakistan, R. de São Pedro Mártir 46. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Chapitô à Mesa, Costa do Castelo 7, ☏ +351 21 887 5077, . M–F 12:00–00:00, Sa Su 19:30–24:00. Great views are the main feature if you reserve terrace seat in advance. Good atmosphere; international-menu food is tasty but nothing special. €15-35. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Farol de Santa Luzia, Largo de Santa Luzia, 5 (near 28/12 tram stops), ☏ +351 21 886 3884, fax: +351 218 885 356, . M-Sa 17:30-23:00. Great place to have typical Portuguese food before climbing to Castelo S. Jorge. ~ €20/person. 
  • 🌍 Malmequer Bemmequer, Rua de São Miguel 23-25, ☏ +351 21 887 6535. Tu 19:00–21:00, W–Su 12:00–15:00 & 19:00–21:00. Friendly and inexpensive; long menu of traditional Portuguese dishes. Mid-range. (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Mestiço, Arco das Portas do Mar, 9 (near Casa dos Bicos), ☏ +351 963660756. What used to be a Nepalese curry house is now a very friendly African eatery with authentic food. In the evening musicians play for an even more atmospheric setting. €8-12. 
  • 🌍 Portuel Kosher Store, Rua Gomes Freire 146A (Picoas  Amarela , 774), ☏ +351 21 354 0460, . M–Th 12:00–19:00, F 10:00–15:00, closed Sa Su. Lisbon's source for kosher groceries. (updated May 2022)

Splurge

Drink
  • 🌍 Lux Fragil, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Armazém A, ☏ +351 21 882 08 90, fax: +351 21 882 08 99, . Th-Su 23:00-06:00. It's in a former warehouse and part owned by American actor John Malkovich. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 Pois Café, Rua S. João da Praça, 93-95 (on the side street of cathedral Sé), ☏ +351 21 886 2497, . Tu-Su 10:30-23:00, M 12:00-23:00. It's a place to relax, read a book, drink a coffee and plan your way around Lisbon. Also offers toasts, pastas, quiches and salads; features late breakfasts. (updated May 2017)
  • 🌍 Portas do Sol, Largo das Portas do Sol (Alfama), ☏ +351 218 851 299, . A cafe and bar on a "Miradouro", viewing spot, and thus offer a spectacular view over the Alfama rooftops down to the river. (updated Nov 2017)

Sleep
  • 🌍 Alfama Patio Apartments (formerly Alfama Patio Hostel), Escolas Gerais 3, Patio dos Quintalinhos 1 ( 28E ), ☏ +351 21 888 3127, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Two-star out-of-the-way lodging (but it's directly on the Tram line 28). Full amenities from fast Wi-Fi to free crepe breakfast only compliment the fun staff, who sometimes even go out with you at night. €59-111. (updated Aug 2021)
  • 🌍 Ibis Lisboa Centro Saldanha Hotel, Avenida Casal Ribeiro 23 (Saldanha  Amarela  Vermelha ), ☏ +351 21 319 1690, . Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Two-star, 116-room hotel. Travelers give this Ibis so-so reviews noting on the plus side the location only 5 min walk to the metro, and a good breakfast and on the minus side small rooms. €58-84. (updated Aug 2021)
  • 🌍 Johnies Place Hostel, Calçada da Graça 18 (Right next to Graça's Viewpoint  28E ), ☏ +351 916 474 580, . Cosy hostel. No extra costs for Wi-Fi, printing, breakfast (for private rooms). €19-67. (updated Aug 2021)
  • 🌍 Lisbon Story Guesthouse, Largo São Domingos 18 (E of Rossio Square / Praça D. Pedro IV Restauradores  Azul Rossio  Verde ), ☏ +351 21 887 9392, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Cozy three-star, 11-room guesthouse with welcoming common areas and well-decorated small rooms at a budget price. €49-84. (updated Aug 2021)
  • 🌍 The One Palácio da Anunciada, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 112-134 (Restauradores  Azul  52E ), ☏ +351 210 412 300, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Five-star, 83-room hotel in a 16th-century palace with contemporary guest rooms. The old noble rooms now serve as dining areas. Guests can enjoy 2,500 m2 (27,000 ft²) of gardens, two swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, meeting rooms, business centre, and free Wi-Fi. €145-263. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 🌍 Torel Palace Lisbon, Rua Câmara Pestana 23 (top of Elevador do Lavra Restauradores  Azul  52E ), ☏ +351 21 892 90810, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The four-star, 31-room Torel Palace is a boutique hotel on top of Sant'ana hill. From the carefully renovated two palaces and the outside gardens, terraces and the pool, visitors enjoy a stunning view over the city. Named after Portuguese Queens and Kings, each of the rooms is unique and offers an elegant home. Owned by a Portuguese and two Austrians. Offers breakfast all day long. €127-242. (updated Aug 2021)
  • 🌍 Hotel Travel Park Lisboa, Avenida Almirante Reis 64 (Anjos  Verde ), ☏ +351 21 810 2100, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Three-star, 61-room hotel that sits in the heart of Av. Almirante Reis. Just five minutes away from Lisbon International Airport and with underground station at doorstep. €53-97. (updated Aug 2021)

Connect
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